Trim assembly

ABSTRACT

A furniture arrangement is formed of vertical panels and a horizontal furniture panel which are joined together. The vertical panel comprises a main panel body having the opposite vertical edges thereof enclosed by vertical trim elements, and the horizontal top edge enclosed by a horizontal trim element. For decorative purposes, an additional decorative inlay is provided adjacent and parallel to the trim elements, which inlay is formed of a second, aesthetically different inlay material, such as extruded aluminum or other metal. The horizontal furniture panel may include similar trim elements which further include additional decorative inlays.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/934,147, filed Jun. 11, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a trim assembly for finishing the end faces ofa furniture panel so that the furniture panel has an edgewise-extendingtrim facing formed of a first material such as solid wood or a substratefinished with a veneer, and has a decorative trim inlay having a thinprofile extending along the edge of the trim facing which is formed of asecond material, such as metal, so as to define a contrasting decorativeappearance adjacent the trim facing and the finished faces of thefurniture panel adjacent thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various cabinet constructions have been provided which have manydifferent finish surfaces applied thereto. A cabinet construction isknown having a relatively thick cabinet wall having edge surfaces havingfinished faces and appearances which match the major side faces of thewall.

However, when laminate is conventionally applied at a right-anglecorner, such as between a vertical major face and an end face,typically, the thickness of one sheet of laminate is visible and therebyresults in an unsightly joint of the right-angle corner.

The invention relates to a cabinet arrangement wherein similar finishlayers may be provided on the major faces and end faces while any jointstherebetween are hidden and made aesthetically pleasing by anintermediate trim member. In this regard, a trim assembly is providedfor finishing the end faces of a furniture panel so that the furniturepanel has an edgewise-extending trim facing formed of a first materialsuch as solid wood or a substrate finished with a veneer, and has adecorative trim inlay having a thin profile extending along the edge ofthe trim facing which is formed of a second material, such as metal, soas to define a contrasting decorative appearance adjacent the trimfacing and the finished faces of the furniture panel adjacent thereto.

This provides pleasing contrast, and while appearing as an aestheticfeature, also functionally serves to hide the cut edges of laminate onboth the major faces and end face.

Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof,will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspectingthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trim arrangement from an exteriorlefthand top corner of a furniture unit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trim arrangement from a lefthandcorner as viewed from the underside thereof of the furniturearrangement.

FIG. 3 is an end cross sectional view illustrating the elements of thetrim assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a panel element with the trim removed and a trimretainer fastened therein.

FIG. 5 is an end cross sectional view of FIG. 3 further illustrating thefeatures restraining the trim element.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a further furniture arrangement.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a trim element assembly.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the trim element assembly.

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view along line 8A-8A of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an end view of the trim element assembly.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an alternate trim element assembly.

FIG. 10 is an end cross-sectional view of a trim element.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate trim element.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate the alternate trim element.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a router configuration.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example,the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” willrefer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward andaway from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement anddesignated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the wordsspecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen in FIG. 1, a furniture arrangement 10, such as a desk orenlarged shelf unit, is illustrated formed of vertical panels 11 and ahorizontal furniture panel 12 which are joined together. A verticalpanel 11 comprises a main panel body 13 having the vertical edgesthereof enclosed by trim elements 14 and 15, and the horizontal top edgeenclosed by a horizontal trim element 16. For decorative purposes, anadditional decorative inlay 17 is provided adjacent and parallel to thetrim elements 14-16, which inlay 17 is formed of a second, aestheticallydifferent inlay material, such as extruded aluminum or other metal orother suitable shaped material such as a plastic. The horizontalfurniture panel 12 also has a main panel body 18 with the oppositehorizontal edges thereof enclosed in the same manner by trim elements 19and 20 which further include additional decorative inlays or inserts 21and 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates the furniture arrangement 10 in a lefthand corner topconfiguration viewed from the underside. In this view, the trim elements14, 15 and 19 can be seen with the trim inlays 17 and 21 extendinghorizontally and vertically adjacent to these trim elements 14, 15 and19. An additional reinforcing cross panel 25 is illustrated as extendingbetween the one end base panel 11 and an opposite end base panel 11 (notillustrated).

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates the assembly of the componentswhich form the base panel 11 and the associated trim parts. FIG. 3illustrates the base panel 11 as viewed from the bottom and looking upat the lower edge of the vertical trim element 14 wherein the horizontalfurniture panel 12 can also be seen as well as the horizontal trimelement 19 and the inlay 21 extending horizontally therealong. It willbe understood that the general construction of all of the trim elements14, 15, 19 and 20 are essentially the same wherein FIG. 3 is arepresentative illustration of how the trim elements mount to theassociated furniture panel 11 or 12 whether the trim element is orientedvertically or horizontally. Further, the inlays 17 are identified bythis reference numeral in that they mount to the furniture panel 11,although it will also be understood that the inlays 21 and 22 have thesame cross-sectional profile and general configuration and mount in thesame arrangement. Thus, the following discussion specifically addressesthe arrangement of FIG. 3 with it being understood that this discussionis also applicable to the other equivalent components.

First as to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates a furniture panel or panelelement 11 (12) with the respective trim element 14 removed therefrom.This furniture panel 11 further includes a U-shaped trim retainer 30mounted longitudinally and centrally within a mounting channel 31 formedalong the edge of the furniture panel 11. The furniture panel 11 has aninterior panel core 32 which may be formed of any suitable construction,although in the preferred embodiment comprises a thick wood panel framehaving a generally rectangular construction defined by horizontal andvertical frame elements. These frame elements preferably are formed ofsolid wood and joined together at the corners to define a rectangularconstruction. These frame elements 32 on those edges which are to befinished are formed or profiled with the mounting channel 31 as seen inFIG. 4 and as will be described in further detail herein.

The furniture panel 11 further includes outer skins 33 which are mountedto the opposite faces of the core 32 by adhesive 33B and have asubstantially uniform thickness and enclose the opposite faces of thecore 32. The skins 33 have a substrate 33A and the outer faces of theskins 33 are each provided with a facing layer 34 that defines theaesthetic appearance of the panel 11. These facing layers 34 may be anysuitable facing material such as a wood-finish laminate or veneer.

The finished edges of the base panel 11, as mentioned above, have aunique profile machine therein with a single tool, such as a routerwhich routes this mounting channel 31 therein. In particular, themounting channel 31, and specifically the profile thereof, includes arectangularly, cross-sectioned center locator groove 35 in which theU-shaped trim retainer 30 is seated. In particular, the profile is CNCmachined with a single tool and is centered on the furniture panel 11with the groove 35 being formed in the bottom of the profile to helpposition the retainer 30 centrally therein.

As to this profile, on opposite sides of the central groove 35, areformed bottom flats 36 which transition at radius corners 37 intovertical side walls 38, which side walls 38 in turn transition at anoutside radius 39 into intermediate flats 40. The intermediate flats 40then transition by inside corners 41 into upper side walls 42. The upperside walls 42 terminate at sharp corners and define end faces 43.

As to the trim retainer 30, such trim retainer 30 is formed of U-shapedplastic that is resiliently deflectable. The retainer 30 is defined by abottom retainer wall 45 that is fastened or stitched directly to thepanel core 32 by suitable fasteners 30A such as staples. The bottomretainer wall 45 supports two upstanding retainer legs 46 which projectupwardly in cantilevered relation and are resiliently deflectable. Theupper edges of the retainer legs 46 have ribs extending horizontally andprojecting outwardly. Each rib 47 is defined by an inclined cam face 48that faces upwardly out of the channel 31, and an opposed inward facingledge 49 which is configured to removably engage the trim element 14 andprevent its inadvertent removal therefrom.

As to the radiuses formed in the illustrated profile, such radiuseseliminate stress risers and give strength to the wood material of thefurniture panel 11. Further, the use of wood for the furniture panel 11allows for the formation of tighter tolerances by use of a router forCNC machining of the profile.

Referring to FIG. 3, the trim element 14 as well as the other trimelements illustrated herein comprise a trim base 50 which is profiled soas to fit within the mounting channel 31 and has a top surface 51 whichsupports a flat, thin, trim facing 52 thereon. This trim facing 52 canbe a textured ABS plastic, a solid species wood, reconstituted veneerstick or thin veneer wrapped material. This trim facing 52 defines thefinished appearance of the trim element 14. In many cases it may bepreferred that this material be selected so as to match the exteriorface material 34 on the furniture panel 11.

The trim base 50 is fixably secured along its entire length to this trimfacing 52 so as to define a combined assembly that is permanentlyaffixed together. Preferably, the trim base 50 is formed offinger-jointed poplar that is machined to the specific profileillustrated for precise seating within the mounting channel 31. The trimbase 50 is configured to snap fittingly engage with the trim retainer 30for fixed securement of the trim element 14 to the furniture panel 11.This retainer 30 defines the grip strength for gripping of the trimelement 14, and specifically, gripping of the trim base 50. The gripstrength can be defined by the overall longitudinal length of the trimretainer 30 as well as the overall thickness of the retainer materialwhich would define the overall resistance to resilient deflection of theretainer legs 46 when becoming engaged with the trim base 50.

It is noted that the joining of the trim base 50 to the trim facing 52defines an inlay mounting channel 55 which opens sidewardly and isconfigured to support the trim inlays 17 or 21 therein. Notably, thetrim inlays are formed of aluminum and can be finished with manydifferent finish options such as polished, anodized, painted and thelike. To secure the trim inlay 17 in the inlay channel 55, trim inlayretainers 56 are fitted onto the inlay 17 and then elastomerically gripthe inlay channel 55 when inserted therein. Preferably, the trim inlayretainers 56 are formed of a HIP's plastic extrusion.

The “ball” profile of the end of the inlay retainer 56 helps to hold theretainer on the inlay 17 prior to installation into the removable trimelement 14. It also helps to prevent the inlay 17 from easy removal fromthe channel 55 or possibly falling out therefrom.

It is noted that the trim inlay 17 is designed to be an optionalelement, and the profile tooling for the trim and specifically the trimbase 50 could be designed so as to not cut the groove 55 therein for theinlay 17 and inlay retainer 56 when such elements are optioned out ofthe final furniture order.

Retention of the inlays 17, and the installation and removal forcesthereof are controlled by the overall length of each inlay retainer 56and the number of inlay retainer pieces 56 used along a given lineallength piece of trim element 14.

Referring to FIG. 10, the specific construction of a representative trimelement 14 is illustrated therein in cross section. It is noted that thetrim element 14 generally is symmetrical about its center line. Itcomprises the trim facing 52 and the trim base 50 which is affixedthereto so as to project inwardly or downwardly therefrom. The trimfacing 52 is defined by an exposed outer surface 60 and a bottominterior surface 61.

As to the trim base 50, this trim base is formed of a main body portion62 which is affixed to the bottom-facing surface 61. The main body 62 isformed of a profile which substantially matches the profile of themounting channel 31.

More particularly, this profile is defined by a center bottom channel 63which opens interiorally and has inwardly projecting ribs 64 formedalong the mouth of the channel 63. These ribs 64 have a rounded profiledefined by the radiused corners 65 that in turn define a width 66 of thechannel mouth. These corners 65 then turn outwardly to define bottombase faces 67, which bottom faces 67 turn at radiused corners 68 todefine lower base side walls 69. The spacing or width defined betweenthe side walls 69 is indicated by dimension 70 and closely conforms tothe sideward width defined between the channel side walls 38 of themounting channel 31. Dimension 70 should have a very close conformanceto and tolerance with respect to the spacing between the channel sidewalls 38. The lower base side walls 69 then turn at radiused insidecorners 71 to define bottom intermediate faces 72 that extend outwardlyand turn at corners 73 as to extend upwardly at an angle 74 andterminate at upper base side walls 75. These upper side walls 75 have aspacing 76 therebetween that closely conforms to the lateral widthbetween the channel side walls 42. Further, it is noted that theradiused corners 68, 71 and 73 are in close conformance in their profileas to the groove corners 37, 39 and 41 although not in contacttherewith.

At the upper side faces 75 of the trim body 50, a sharp corner isprovided so as to define an inwardly extending body face 77 that definesone side face of the inlay mounting channel 55. In effect, the inlaymounting channel 55 is defined between the body face 77 and the opposinginterior face 61 of the trim element facing 62. Notably, the inner endsof the grooves 55 terminate at groove bottoms 78 that define a lateralwidth 79 therebetween. Further, the trim facing 52 projects outwardlybeyond the body side faces 75 to define a lateral facing width 80 whichis greater than the dimension 76 of the trim body 50.

These overall dimensions of FIG. 10, as further described with respectto FIG. 5, tightly and precisely position each trim element 14 relativeto the respective furniture panel 11 or 12 when mounted thereto. Inparticular, the trim body 50 is adapted to fit in tight confinement withthe mounting channel 31. In this regard, body side faces 69 laterally orcentrally position the trim element 14 relative to the furniture panel11. As such, the lateral or side-to-side (left to right) movement of thetrim element 14 (FIG. 4) is controlled or governed by these matchedprofiles and their tightly controlled tolerances as illustrated in theabove in the pictorial of FIG. 5 and described herein.

Trim retention is vertically controlled by the contoured cam/springsurfaces of the trim base 50 and the trim retainer 30. Moreparticularly, the retainer legs 46 and their connector ribs 47 arepressed inwardly as the retainer 30 moves into the channel mouth of thebase channel 63 wherein the corners 65 press against the cam surfaces 47which bias the retainer legs 46 inwardly. As the ribs 47 move pastcorresponding ribs 64, the retainer leg 46 returns to an originalposition in gripping engagement with the body ribs 64. Thus, the edges49 abut against the radiused corners 64A to draw or pull the trim body50 downwardly into the channel 31. The natural tendency is that anapplied force generated thereby draws the trim element 14 tightlyagainst the furniture panel 11.

Hence, the inlay 17 and the inlay retainer 56 fixedly secure the inlay17 within the channel 55, and the inlay 17 is then drawn downwardly intight engagement against the face 43, which downward force maintains atight reveal between the trim face/trim inlay/panel element interfaces.Trim retention/removal forces of the removable trim element 14 to andfrom the panel are controlled by the lineal length of the trim retainer30 used relative to the length of trim that is needed.

So that the trim retainer 30 dictates the engagement force and thedownward or inward drawing force of the trim element 14 against thefurniture element, clearance spaces 81 and 82 formed between theopposing faces 67/36, 72/40, and 73/41. As such, these opposed faces donot bottom out or contact each other during engagement of the trimelement 14, but instead, the trim retainer 30 draws the trim element 14downwardly until the inlay 17 bottom outs or directly contacts the panelfaces 43.

This further allows for the free/uninhibited movement(expansion/contraction) of the aluminum inlay material in response tofluctuating ambient temperatures. As such, the inlay material may expandor contract at a different rate relative to the material of theremaining components, which expansion/contraction is readilyaccommodated as the spring retainer 30 either pulls the trim element 14farther downwardly into the channel 31 or allows for outward movement ofthe trim element 14.

There may be additional differences in manufacturing tolerances betweenthe trim facing 52 and the trim panel 11 such that the trim width 80 mayvary from the overall lateral width or thickness of the furniture panel11. As such, the inlay 17 is designed to project slightly outwardly fromthe interface between these components so that the face 84 of the inlay17 is slightly proud of the trim faces 83 and the panel faces 34. Sincethe inlay face 84 is slightly proud, this helps reduce tactilerecognition of dimensional differences between the trim face width 80and the panel thickness variations of the trim panel 11.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded view of the furniture system 10illustrates the trim panels 11 and 12 and the bottom panel 25 which arejoined together by various corner brackets 90 and sideward connectorpins 91.

Referring to FIG. 7, trim element assembly 92 is illustrated ascomprising the trim element 14, the inlays 17 and the trim inlayretainers 56. As can be seen, the trim element 14 comprises the trimbase 50 and the trim facing 52 mounted to the top thereof. These definethe grooves 55 which extend along the entire longitudinal length thereofand are configured to receive the inlays 17 therein.

In particular, the inlays 17 are defined by an enlarged outer section 93and a thinner connector flange 94 that is relatively thin relative tothe outer section 93 and also has a vertical offset as seen in FIG. 3.

The connector flange 94 is adapted to mount thereto a plurality of theinlay retainers 56 which have a resiliently deflectable U-shape andfrictionally fit over and engage the elongate side edge of the flange94. As to the trim facing 52 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, trim facing 52is formed with one alternate profile wherein one edge 52A is flat alongthe length thereof while the opposite edge 52B has a radiused corner tovary the aesthetic appearance thereof.

As to FIGS. 9A-9D, the trim assembly 14 comprises part of a trim elementassembly 92 having one form wherein edge 52A is radiused along itsentire length while the opposite edge 52B is radiused along asubstantial portion except for an end section 52C which is formed flat.This allows for smooth surfaces when edge section 52C abuts against theterminal end face of an adjacent trim element 14 such as at the uppercorner illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11 and 12A-12D illustrate an alternate trim element assembly 92wherein two flat sections 52C are formed therein so that the trim facing52 could be positioned in a T-shape between two perpendicularly-orientedtrim elements 14.

Referring to FIG. 13, 13 diagrammatically illustrates a machining toolsuch as a router bit 100 having a drive shank 101 and a head 102 thathas a circumferential profile that defines the specific profile of themounting channel 31 in the furniture panel 11.

Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have beendisclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognizedthat variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, includingthe rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the presentinvention.

1. A furniture arrangement comprising: a furniture panel having aninterior core and opposite side surfaces which have a finishedappearance, and wide end edges with an unfinished appearance, said endedges of said core having a mounting channel and a retainer formationtherein; a trim assembly mountable to said end edges to define afinished appearance to said end edges, said trim assembly comprising abase and a finished trim facing supported on said base, said trim facinghaving a trim surface defining a finished appearance, said base having aconnector formation configured to mate with and removably engage saidretainer formation to cover said end edge.
 2. The furniture arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein said retainer formation is a snap-fitretainer.
 3. The furniture arrangement according to claim 1, whereinsaid base and said mounting channel have opposing side surfaces whichfit closely together to locate said trim assembly sidewardly relative tosaid furniture panel, and clearance spaces being provided betweenopposed end faces of said base and said mounting channel to permit tightdrawing of said trim assembly to said end edge by said cooperatingretainer formation and connector formation.
 4. The furniture arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein said base and said mounting channel areformed of a machinable material and have shaped profiles which closelymatch.
 5. The furniture arrangement according to claim 4, wherein saidbase and said core are formed of a machinable material that is machinedto form said profiles.
 6. The furniture arrangement according to claim5, wherein said machinable material is a wood material for at least oneof base and said core.
 7. The furniture arrangement according to claim1, wherein said base and said end edge define sideward opening channelstherebetween which receive an elongate decorative insert therein.
 8. Thefurniture arrangement according to claim 7, wherein said base and saidmounting channel have opposing side surfaces which fit closely togetherto locate said trim assembly sidewardly relative to said furniturepanel, and clearance spaces being provided between opposed end faces ofsaid base and said mounting channel to permit tight drawing of said trimassembly to said end edge by said cooperating retainer formation andconnector formation such that said insert is sandwiched between saidtrim facing and said side surfaces of said furniture panel.
 9. Afurniture arrangement comprising: a furniture panel having an interiorcore and opposite side surfaces which have a finished appearance, andwide end edges with an unfinished appearance, said end edges of saidcore having a mounting channel and a retainer formation therein, saidmounting channel a channel profile defining side surfaces having achannel dimension defined therebetween; a trim assembly mountable tosaid end edges to define a finished appearance to said end edges, saidtrim assembly comprising a base and a finished trim facing supported onsaid base, said trim facing having a trim surface defining a finishedappearance, said base having a connector formation configured to matewith and removably engage said retainer formation to cover said end edgeby drawing said trim assembly downwardly into said mounting channel,said base having a base profile corresponding to said channel profilewherein said base profile has side surfaces which define a basedimension closely proximate said channel dimension to tightly locatesaid trim assembly at a fixed position relative to said furniture panel.10. The furniture arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said baseand said mounting channel have opposing end surfaces which defineclearance spaces between opposed end faces of said base and saidmounting channel to permit tight drawing of said trim assembly to saidend edge by said cooperating retainer formation and connector formation.11. The furniture arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said baseand said mounting channel are formed of a machinable material and haveshaped profiles which closely match.
 12. The furniture arrangementaccording to claim 11, wherein said base and said core are formed of amachinable material that is machined to form said profiles.
 13. Thefurniture arrangement according to claim 12, wherein said machinablematerial is a wood material for at least one of base and said core. 14.The furniture arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said base andsaid end edge define sideward opening channels therebetween whichreceive an elongate decorative insert therein.
 15. The furniturearrangement according to claim 14, wherein said base and said mountingchannel have opposing side surfaces which fit closely together to locatesaid trim assembly sidewardly relative to said furniture panel, andclearance spaces being provided between opposed end faces of said baseand said mounting channel to permit tight drawing of said trim assemblyto said end edge by said cooperating retainer formation and connectorformation such that said insert is sandwiched between said trim facingand said side surfaces of said furniture panel.
 16. A furniturearrangement comprising: a furniture panel having an interior core andopposite side surfaces which have a finished appearance, and wide endedges with an unfinished appearance, said end edges of said core havinga mounting channel and a retainer formation therein; a trim assemblymountable to said end edges to define a finished appearance to said endedges, said trim assembly comprising a base and a finished trim facingsupported on said base, said trim facing having a trim surface defininga finished appearance, said base having a connector formation configuredto mate with and removably engage said retainer formation to cover saidend edge, said base and said end edge defining sideward opening insertchannels therebetween which receive an elongate decorative insertsidewardly therein, such that said insert is sandwiched between saidtrim facing and said side surfaces of said furniture panel.
 17. Thefurniture arrangement according to claim 14, wherein said base and saidmounting channel have interior end faces which define clearance spacesbetween said base and said mounting channel to permit tight drawing ofsaid trim assembly to said end edge by said cooperating retainerformation and connector formation.
 18. The furniture arrangementaccording to claim 16, wherein said insert channels have oppositechannel walls defined by said trim assembly on one side and said core onthe other side.
 19. The furniture arrangement according to claim 18,wherein said one channel wall is defined by an interior face of saidtrim facing.
 20. The furniture arrangement according to claim 19,wherein a resilient retainer is seated in said insert channel and saidinsert is inserted in said insert channel so as to be grippinglyretained therein by said resilient retainer.